I wanted to love this pack----the print is just too cute. But there are several issues and I will be returning it. Here are the objective and subjective drawbacks: 1/ The zippers are hard for a five-year-old to operate because of the fabric flap covering them. My son struggled with them. 2/ The pack does not have water bottle pouches. 3/ It appears small for kindergarten. A regular binder does fit, but just so. I don't think there'd be room for artwork or winter gear. In essence, there are better options among newer LLBean designs, like Discovery and Explorer packs. We're going with the new Discovery pack in the shark design (no fabric flaps over the zippers! water bottle pouch!).
I bought this backpack in pink lilac dot for my daughter to use for pre-school. It is the perfect size for her. It holds everything she needs and looks great. I had it monogrammed with her initials. I am so pleased with this purchase as well as the matching lunch box. I would highly recommend it to others. Excellent Product!
My husband still has his LL Bean bookbag from high school! We have two of these in this size and I bought them to send to daycare because I found it easier to carry this than a diaper bag. That was 4 years ago and still going strong. I wash them in the washing machine because they get grubby from snacks etc. and they come out looking great. They are small enough that since my kids were about 2 they can carry them by themselves but big enough that I can fit sheets, blankets, clothes, books and artwork for preschool. My daughter starts kindergarten this september and will still be using the same bag because it hasn't worn out at all. Well worth the money to buy it full price but I was able to get both of mine on sale when they changed color selections.
I got this bag for my little girl, and it is amazing! She can put her folder, lunch box, pencils, etc. and it all fits! It isn't too big or too little. The woodland creature pattern is adorable!
